It has been confirmed that Mr. and Mrs. Stiegler will have a presence at next summer’s conference as our honorary Governor and First Lady! They will be providing encouragement and the strong example of love and leadership they have always been.

Concerning present updates, Mr. Stiegler officially retired as the Director of AMF on October 16^th, 2009. A Service of Celebration and dinner was held in his honor at his church on October 17^th. Many respected supporters of the Association of Maryland Families attended, in addition to several [real] Senators and Delegates, the CITY staff, and some CITY students. The CITY ON THE HILL family was honored to take part in the Celebration Service through scripture reading, speeches (2008 Senate President Chris Finke delivered his “Footprints” speech, originally delivered at the 2009 CITY elections). The Reid brothers were given the chance to honor the Stieglers with their musical talents, and Chief of Staff Rob Warlick spoke of the value that the Stieglers have added to each of our lives.

(picture courtesy of Mark Jennys)

For those who may have missed the Retirement party, we have another opportunity to fellowship with the Stieglers and your fellow Senators coming up this month. November 28^th is the annual CITY ON THE HILL reunion! Each year, alumni gather at the “Governors Mansion” (the Stiegler’s home) to help the Stieglers with yard work, rake leaves, enjoy a bonfire, play football, and catch up.

This year, we would like to encourage the attendance of not just alumni of ALL CITY Maryland sessions, but also guests of your choice. Consider inviting family and friends from your church or school who would be eligible for and interested in attending CITY 2010! The aim of this year’s reunion is not just fellowship with one another, but to show others what our program is all about and add to the CITY family!

We love and look forward to seeing you all. For further updates stay turned the CITY[monthly] and don’t hesitate to contact the staff with questions or concerns.

[ad-və-kət] -noun.

 1. one who pleads the cause of another

 2. one who defends or maintains a cause or proposal

 3. one who supports or promotes the interests of another

 As Christians, it is our call to follow Christ and the mission of Christ. Jesus stated his mission is to “seek and save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10). So also our mission should be to seek and save the lost. This should be carried out in every aspect of our lives, not just through “spiritual” conversation, but our actions in everyday living.

 I don’t know a better example of an advocate than Jesus Christ. The greatest cause in human history, the debt of sin throughout every generation, was taken up by Jesus Christ. He came to this world, not for Himself, but for us. Because of His sacrifice, Jesus became that advocate for us.

 In return, we live our lives for Him and become the advocates that He has called us to be. Being an advocate is simply putting others before yourself and purposefully acting for someone else’s cause.

 I hope you take the challenge of this brief message and act as advocate for those who Christ died for.

 What does that look like? Pray, intercede, and then act.

 To help make this more tangible, please read about the situation concerning Pregnancy Centers in Baltimore City. Be the advocate. Let us know how you plan to help.

 Jesus said (as recorded in John 10:10) that He came “that we may have life and have it more abundantly.”

Baltimore City Bill to hand-cuff Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers

 Pregnant women and Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers are targeted in Bill 09-0406.

 From MDCathCon.org -

Pregnant women in need deserve competent, compassionate care. That care is often provided by one of Maryland’s 40 pregnancy resources centers, which offer emotional and material support to pregnant women to help them choose childbirth.Sadly, these centers are facing harassment.

 A bill has been introduced in the Baltimore City Council that would require these centers to post a disclaimer listing services they do not provide (abortion and contraception) or face a $500 per day fine. This unwarranted bill, 09-0406 “Limited-Service Pregnancy Centers – Disclaimers”, would have a harmful impact on these charitable organizations that provide pregnant women with competent, compassionate, and free care.

Learn more about this devastating bill and click here to contact the Baltimore City Council today!

Click here to read the Catholic Review story on the harassment bill.

 Send email to other Baltimore City residents.

Contact your Baltimore City Council

By Pastor Brett Hicks

One of the great principles of biblical leadership is that leaders are actually called to be servants. Jesus addresses this in Luke 22:25-27: “Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. ²⁶ But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. ²⁷ For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

Jesus here makes a contrast between leadership as it is often practiced by the leaders of this world, and leadership as it should be practiced by those who profess to follow God. Central to this distinction is the call that leaders must view themselves as servants rather than masters. Simply put, the leader does not exist to have others serve him; rather, he exists to serve others. A leader does not focus on he privileges of leadership, and how others can help her to achieve her goals; rather, she asks fixes her gaze on the responsibilities of leadership and contemplates how she can enable others to fulfill their hopes and dreams.

This focus on servant leadership cuts across the grain of our society as radically today as it did when Jesus uttered these words. Although leaders today often speak of themselves as servants of the people, a quick view of the evening news will show that society is replete with individuals who view their positions of leadership as a right to enjoy privileges not given to others, and who act as if they are masters – not servants. This tendency is especially seen in many leaders who think themselves above the law or basic morality. Jesus’ words shatter these misconceptions, and call us to a different way of leadership, where the leader is truly a servant. If Christians involved as leaders in every sphere – home, education, politics, industry, church, the arts – would apply this message, it could be used by God to transform our culture, bringing Him glory, and blessing those we are called to serve as leaders.

Full name:

Hobbies: I enjoy acting on stage, reading biographies, journaling and editorial writing, learning about various philosophies and beliefs, and shopping.

Theme song of your life: I must pick two! “Brave” by Nicole Nordeman and “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls.

Fav. Sandwich: Turkey Club

Fav. Bible story: Paul’s conversion and missionary journeys

Fav. Bible scripture: Micah 6:8

Fav. book of the Bible: Psalms and Acts

If you could go back to any era in time which era would you choose? Based solely on my love of the fashions, the 1930′s-40′s

If you could have a superpower what would it be? Teleportation

If you could hang out with anyone alive today who would it be? My future husband, whoever that may be.

Bonus: For extra credit answer the following question.

You have just been kidnapped by blood-thirsty pirates. They give you an offer of joining them or die, what do you do? Is Orlando Bloom one of the pirates? Because then I would have to give this decision serious consideration….

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -

Full name: Emily Louise Ross Roberts

Hobbies: Doing nerdy things (taking summer classes, learning foreign languages, visiting museums, reading books, etc.), spending time outdoors (hiking, camping, running, swimming, etc.), and experiencing ‘firsts’- going new places and doing new things

Theme song of your life: “Legacy” by Nichole Nordeman

Fav. Sandwich: Fresh tomato, onion, and basil with salt and pepper on fresh, homemade bread

Fav. Bible story: Ruth

Fav. Bible scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Fav. book of the Bible: Proverbs

If you could go back to any era in time which era would you choose? The Renaissance

If you could have a superpower what would it be? Ability to mimic anything

If you could hang out with anyone alive today who would it be? President Bush

Bonus: For extra credit answer the following question.

You have just been kidnapped by blood-thirsty pirates. They give you an offer of joining them or die, what do you do? I would give the pretense that I was joining them, strategically plan my attack, and then strike back at the first available opportunity.

Since the inception of City On The Hill in Maryland in 2003 I have been dubbed “The Governor.”  In the early years that meant that I and the First Lady were responsible for most of the planning, scheduling, recruiting and fundraising.  With the more than able assistance of the First Ladies’ team of experts the details were carried out expertly.
 
In the past couple of years we have known that our call to the Family Protection Lobby and the Association of Maryland Families, including City On The Hill, was coming to a close.  While we fretted and were anxious a couple years ago we began to relinquish some responsibilities and had pre-conference planning meetings where we listened and asked questions more than we gave answers. In 2008 we gave away even more tasks and responsibilities as we anticipated our retirement in the fall of 2009.
 
City 2009 was, in large part, the changing of the guard.  Alumni on staff and alumni volunteers came forward with not only ideas and suggestions for improvement but also took responsibility for the doing of the tasks they suggested.
 
After experiencing the alumni showing this creativity and ability to handle various situations we knew we could turn City over to that team and it would continue to grow and improve in future years.
 
We also have witnessed a maturing of the “older” alumni as they serve as interns for legislators at the State and Federal levels, edit the City Monthly, progress through and graduated from college and, in several cases, got married! 
 
We know we will miss the close involvement we’ve had with all of the City students but we also know that the sharing and learning that takes place in the week will last a lifetime.  We also know that whether you are a returning alumni, a graduate returning to help in come way or a one-time student, you will make a lifelong contribution to your family, your church and to the larger social arena from your experience at City On The Hill.
 
“For (you) are God’s workmanship, created to do good works, which God prepared in advance for (you) to do.”  Eph. 2:10
 
God Bless Each One of You,
 
The Guv

[A Note from the Governor's Staff: While Mr. Stiegler is definitely retiring from the Association of Maryland Families and Family Protection Lobby, we hope for the Governor and First Lady to make an appearance at City Maryland next summer...stay tuned.  

-Chief of Staff Warlick and Debbie Jennys of Executive Services]

Hobbies: Graphic Design, Playing the Bass and Drums

Theme song of your life: “Play that Funky White Boy” by Wild Cherry

Fav. Sandwich Panera’s Chicken Bacon Dijon (oh my goodness, yes!)

Fav. Bible story: Creation

Fav. Bible scripture: Colossians 1:9-17

Fav. book of the Bible: John

If you could go back to any era in time which era would you choose?Hm. The first thing that came to mind was to be there while Jesus walked on the earth, but my typical answer is the Colonial Era to participate in the American Revolution.

If you could have a superpower what would it be? Moving things with my mind.

If you could hang out with anyone alive today who would it be? My wife, duh. =) If we’re talking famous people – I’d say Mike Huckabee, Bill Gates, or Ravi Zacharias (all for different reasons).

Bonus: For extra credit answer the following question.

You have just been kidnapped by blood-thirsty pirates. They give you an offer of joining them or die, what do you do? I turn all Samson on them and take them all out with the rope they tied me up with.

Full name: Heather Michelle Warlick

Hobbies: Reading, Cooking, playing games, and anything outside

Theme song of your life: “Hey, Hey We’re the Monkees”

Fav. Sandwich: Turkey Club

Fav. Bible story: Hannah

Fav. Bible scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Fav. book of the Bible: Daniel

If you could go back to any era in time which era would you choose? 1940s

If you could have a superpower what would it be? Healing (myself and others)

If you could hang out with anyone alive today who would it be? Mama Wright

Bonus: For extra credit answer the following question.

You have just been kidnapped by blood-thirsty pirates. They give you an offer of joining them or die, what do you do? If I jump, I know Aquaman will save me…

This video from the Alliance Defense Fund is an alert concerning the persecution facing students on school campuses, and a reminder of your right to share your faith.

SEE YOU AT THE POLE

September 23rd is the nationwide date for the See You At The Pole event.  Find a way to participate on your campus or in your neighborhood!  Find more info at syatp.com/home.

In Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis states, “God is not fonder of intellectual slackers than of any other slackers.” This thought flows from Jesus’ observation in Matthew 22:37 that we are to love God with all our minds. As a Christian, the desire to love God with all our mind should push us to be the best thinkers in our culture. One way to define thinking is pursing the Truth about the world. A useful piece of gear for this trip is a good grasp on logic. Let’s review what we learned about logic and argumentation so that this piece of equipment isn’t left behind.

Understanding and responding to ideas requires discerning arguments. Only by learning to pick out arguments from people’s statements are we able to give thoughtful responses. Thus, an important part of applying logic to conversation is learning the form of arguments. The form of an argument boils down into two parts, a claim that something is true and support for that claim. The claim and support work like a house . Just as the walls of a house hold up the roof, the support holds up a claim. All other ways to look at arguments have this basic form in common. Evaluating what others say with this form unearths their argument.

Pulling out the argument allows us to see if it is fallacious. Logical fallacies occur when the support of an argument is faulty (or, to keep with the house analogy, the support is not up to code). At CITY we touched the tip of the iceberg of logical fallacies. To fill out your notes, here are the fallacies we covered:

Claim without Support: Presenting a claim with no support. Because there is no support for the claim this is not an argument.

Ad Hominem: Attacking the person rather than rebut their argument or answer their question. Who or what a person is does not directly affect the truth of their argument.

Equivocation: Changing the definition of terms. Redefining words creates a new claim. You cannot assume that the current supports will uphold the new claim.

Straw Man: Replacing a real argument with a similar sounding but easier to defeat argument. The real argument is not refuted and still stands.

Appeal to Pity: Substituting emotion for logical thought. Someone using this fallacy wants you to think with your heart, not with your head. Emotions do not effect facts or truth.

Hasty Generalization: Stereotyping a group based on a few individuals and Stereotyping individuals based on the group. Showing a characteristic in a few members of a group does not prove everyone in the group has that characteristic. Similarly, because most members of a group have a characteristic does not prove all members of the group have that characteristic.

Appeal to Popularity (Ad Populum): Majority decides what is true. How many people believe a claim to be true does not affect its truth.

As you think through the ideas around you, I hope you will embrace opportunities to share with others. To help your future presentations be the best, I thought that I would share a few public speaking tips I have picked up from public speaking classes, competition and judging. First, your speech begins when you enter the room and ends when you leave the room. Your audience has the potential to watch you all that time and your actions will affect their view of your presentation. Second, dress appropriately for the occasion. It shows the audience that you respect them and their attention. Thirdly, make good use of pause, pitch and punch. Silent pauses in your speech draw the audience’s attention to what you say next. The flow of pitches communicates emotion and helps the audience hear thoughts begin and end. Adding the punch of extra emphasis to key words makes them stand out. Finally, project your voice enough for the room. Overdone projection makes you look like you are not quite in control or angry. Not enough projection makes you look shy and uncertain of what you are saying.

Hopefully this article aides your pursuit of the Truth. The quest for Truth is no light matter. In a real way, the pursuit of Truth is the pursuit of God. As Romans 1:19-20 points out, God has revealed Himself in His creation. His rules for how to live in the world flow from His character. In discovering the Truth about the world, and how we should live in it, we discover more about God. That is why I invite you to join me on the quest for Truth and in the words of Dr. Michael Bauman “…never give up until you find Him.”

-1I heard this illustration in a lecture given by Apologist Greg Koukl. You can read his explanation of how arguments are like houses by following this link (http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6794).

This CITY[monthly] is for YOU!  It’s a monthly publication for the student leaders of Maryland. We hope to give you relevant resources for what your going through as a young Christian leader in Maryland. We’ll highlight great opportunities for you, great events, articles from some of CITY’s great speakers, and commentary on current issues of the day.  Feel free to give your input – write comments or email us to submit an article of your own.

Don’t forget to check out the “Upcoming Events” page (on the right) for some cool stuff.  CITY ON THE HILL is in the works to impact this generation on a larger level.  Just to tease you =P we are currently working on implementing a CITY Nation conference, as well as CITY one-day event working with the CITY ON THE HILL in PA and NJ!  Don’t miss out.  Step up and lead your generation.

You guys rock! 

- Rob Warlick

 Also, I wanted to quickly challenge you all.  I know all too well how easy it is to get excited about great experiences we’ve had in the summer, then just get back into the “same ol’ same old.” I don’t want that to happen, so here’s something for you…

In our CITY2009 conference, we were challenged to develop a SOLID foundation in our lives.  Here we are, a month removed from that conference. How are we doing on that?

Let me point out that it’s possible to be busy, but not effective. We may fill our summer with great opportunities *cough* (like CITY ON THE HILL), we may be working and/or getting ready for school, we may have “a lot on our plate”, but great experiences or busyness is not what makes us great or effective. Building that Solid foundation we talked about is what makes us great or effective.

We build that foundation for greatness by setting our lives on the Will of God. We must pray and ask God for guidance, we must read His Word to receive instruction, then obey.  

Here’s the challenge- 1. read the scriptures listed below, 2. highlight the scripture in your Bible, 3. Then write a note about what you recieved from it.  

Joshua 1:7-8

Psalms 119:1-8

2 Timonthy 3:14-17.

This challenge was brief for a reason. Take the challenge and set that SOLID foundation, then we can set the standard for our generation.

Love you guys!

(burnedbygod.com)

Hello Generation,
Once again I am honored to team up with City on the Hill. I was blessed to visit and encourage you in July, this time I am writing to you to encourage you again.

Where are you spiritually now that we are a month or so after the conference? As the school year begins are you pondering the things God has called you to do in your schools, your colleges? Are you thinking about the things you learned at City on the Hill and how it has empowered you to be the difference, be part of the solution and not part of the problem? A pastoral mentor of mine said to me one time, “Michael, don’t be so heavenly minded that you’re earthly no good.” I remember thinking, that is the craziest thing I have heard. A couple months after that, I wanted to see if he was right. I found in the Message, Colossians 3:2 says, “Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you.

Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ — that’s where the action is. See things from His perspective.” It pretty much says this, be so heavenly minded that you are earthly good.

Remember, to be earthly good you need to not “listen to the enemy” (1 Kings 19) like Elijah started to. Instead, go and stand before God like Elijah did. There and only there God our Father will penetrate you with the knowledge, vision and empowerment to fulfill what He has called and equipped you to do. You are that generation that is going to take back this nation but before you can do that, you must raise up spiritually dead teenagers. Before that happens you need to know that you have a Kingly Authority (2 Kings 9) won for you by Jesus Christ. To act Kingly you must have a “Holy Zeal” (John 2:17; 2 Kings 10:16; Isaiah 59:17) like Jehu. With this Zeal comes a need to understand how to be “Ruthless in the Spirit” (2 Kings 9:22-26, fulfilling 1 King 19:15). These principles will enable you to war for the things of God in this ungodly culture. You will also be empowered to go to the ends of the earth and do whatever the Father wants you to do, while praying what He wants you to pray, and saying what He wants you to say. If you begin and continue to live like this you will raise up spiritually dead teenagers that will take back what the enemy stole (Proverbs 6:31).

I’ll leave you with this. This is going to cost you everything. What will be said of you in the history books of Heaven? No matter what happens, stand before God; allow Him to penetrate into you the things He has called you to do. He will equip you. No matter what happens, remember God is your inheritance (Deuteronomy 18:2).